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The HP Business Class Chromebook x360 14 targets the modern workplace with its high-end design and versatile form factor.
By the time I write these lines, I am in Pittsburgh for a long weekend of college visits with my wife and daughter. My family uses an HP Envy 13, my wife uses a HP Specter 13 and I had a hard time separating myself from the new HP EliteBook 1040, which might have the best typing experience of any computer notebook that I've ever used. (Yes, I'm late in publishing this magazine, and I promise you that soon.)
But there is a fourth HP notebook for this trip, and it's an intruder: the new HP Chromebook x360 14 is, as its name suggests, a 14-inch convertible laptop with a 360-degree hinge. It is very similar to the other HP computers we travel with, with its all-metal design and slim, lightweight form factor. But it runs Chrome OS, not Windows 10.
In my opinion, this platform is very popular with individuals and businesses for its simplicity, security and long battery life, as well as for the low prices of most Chromebooks. But businesses, in particular, also have high expectations for quality and performance, and HP intends to meet those needs with the Chromebook x360 14.
And this certainly looks like a premium PC, but HP aficionados will note that it's wearing the old HP non-premium round logo on the cover of its screen and not the hip, the new HP premium new logo chiseled and angular that the company uses on its high-end Windows PCs.
But do not be fooled. It's a real PC. It is powered by an Intel Core i7 processor, from 4 to 16 GB of RAM, up to 64 GB of built-in storage and provides a 14-inch full HU (1920 x 1080) IPS display. Its all-metal construction is, if not pretty, at least beautiful and professional looking, and durable enough to get the MIL-STD 810G rating. It has a thickness of 16 mm and weighs 3.7 pounds, which is a little heavy but adds to the feeling of superior quality.
Chrome OS will seem a controversial choice, especially for Thurrott.com readers who belong to the "Chrome Denier" category. But it is difficult to argue with the simplicity of this system. It starts in seconds and handles software updates much more seamlessly than Windows. The fact that HP, like other Chromebooks, now runs Android applications only adds to its charm.
But the Chromebook x360 14 targets businesses, not education. For those who do not pay attention to this platform, it can be even more confusing. But as HP has explained, nearly 80% of the decision makers they address in companies are looking for "cloud computers" for their workforce, and Chrome OS has it. is about today. These systems are simpler than traditional computers and easy to deploy and manage, but they still support the productivity solutions expected by employees. And while the adoption of G Suite is still low compared to Office 365, its use increased by 36% last year, against only 2.6% for Microsoft solutions. Chromebooks are on the rise in business.
The Chromebook x360 14 is not HP's first business-class Chromebook, but it's its first business class convertible. In addition to the 360 degree hinge, this PC offers the high-end look and feel that professional users expect, with its all-metal design, narrow display side panels and its Backlit Keyboard. It also provides the performance demanded by current customers and offers a range of up to 13 hours, according to HP.
Aesthetically, the Chromebook x360 14 looks good, but it is not an EliteBook. The keyboard is a standard Chromebook, which is inevitable but gives it a pedestrian look. And although the design is all-metal, I think that only the keyboard is aluminum. Rounded corners create a slightly different appearance than other HP's more advanced designs.
But the versatility is there: the x360 14 comes with two USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 ports, one on each side, which is better for charging and versatility of peripherals. There is a single full USB 3.0 port on the left, a microSD card slot, a headphone jack, and a power button. (USB-C ports are not compatible with Thunderbolt 3, but both offer Power Delivery and DisplayPort features.)
And you'll find another full-size USB 3.0 port right, with volume buttons and the Kensington security lock.
The x360 hinge provides the four expected modes of operation – clamshell / laptop, of course, but also tablet, tent and media (presentation) – and offers the flexibility that is normally associated only with Windows-based convertibles. Of course, it can also be flat.
Wherever possible, Chrome OS adapts to changes in form factors quickly and transparently. For example, switch from Clamshell / Portable mode to Tent mode and the display quickly switches to the new orientation, upside down and Toggles the display from a traditional desktop environment to a full-screen launcher display, in which the icons of your applications are arranged in full screen as with a phone or tablet.
Under the hood, HP is powered by Kaby Lake generation Intel processors, which include Pentium, Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7, 8 or 16 GB DDR4 RAM, 32 or 64 GB eMMC and dual Intel storage AC / Bluetooth wireless network 4.2. It features HP stereo speakers set by Bang & Olufsen, two microphones and a 720p front webcam. The 61 Wh battery offers up to 13 hours of streaming autonomy for video.
The screen is sharp and offers a multi-touch support, of course, but not the compatibility with the digital pen, which is a little surprising. As indicated, the performance when switching between the modes of use is excellent.
From the point of view of typing, the Chromebook x360 14 offers what I would call very good to very good performance (I need a little more time to be sure), even if the body has a little flexibility if you are a big typist like me.
The glass touch pad is excellent and responsive, and supports the gestures expected from many fingers, like Windows.
HP has different performance claims compared to competing Chromebooks like Google Pixelbook and Dell Inspiron Chromebook. I really can not do these comparisons myself, but I feel that the daily performance is excellent and I have never had a crush, a break or a problem. Fan noise was not a problem either.
From a software perspective, the Chromebook x360 14 delivers a crisp image, like all Chromebooks, and the only truly customizable additions are apps I've already installed elsewhere that sync through my Google Account. This is a welcome change for those of us who are struggling with the crazy additions of Microsoft in Windows 10, or with PC makers adding their own base.
And while it's not HP's fault, some Android OS experience in Chrome OS is still a little strange. For example, Microsoft Outlook is working properly, but it has a weird view across multiple screens between the message list and the reading pane, which was probably designed for phones and other smaller screen Android devices. You can not resize either, and the Chrome OS system font settings do not appear to affect the application. The text is very small. It works, but it's not ideal.
I do not know if I'm personally prepared to travel only with a Chromebook, partly because of some specialized Windows applications I rely on. But many, including those who work the same way as me, could do it. And the HP Chromebook x360 14 seems to meet the needs of many users. And you can not discuss the price: HP announces a starting price of less than $ 1,000, but a variation of the Core i3 currently starts at less than $ 800. A fully equipped Core i7 version costs less than $ 1,100.
More soon.
Tagged HP, HP Chromebook x360 14
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